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    F-15 Eagles soar for last time at Hickam
    Erik
    By Erik,
      F-15 Eagles soar for last time at Hickam   Defence Professionals -- 30 August 2010 Tech Sgt. Cohen A. Young Defense Media Activity-Hawaii / AFNS   JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR - HICKAM, Hawaii | Pilots from the 199th Fighter Squadron, Hawaii Air National Guard, completed their last training mission with the F-15 Eagle from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii Aug 25.   The HIANG is upgrading to the F-22 Raptor, a fifth generation fighter, and received their first two Raptors in July.   The ANG is the lead in a total force concept that already exists at JB Hickam with the C-17 Globemaster III. The 199th FS will fly and help maintain the 20 F-22 Raptors that bring another capability to the HIANG.   Many of the current F-15 pilots of the HIANG are eager to start training and flying the Raptor, but will still sorely miss the Eagle aircraft, which the unit has flown since 1987, said Lt. Col. James Sage, a pilot with the 199th FS.   "It's like saying goodbye to a good friend," said Colonel Sage said. "It was exciting flying it for the last time, and especially against a F-22, but at the same time the F-15 has always brought me home safely and been an outstanding aircraft."   The three remaining F-15s will depart JB Hickam Sept. 1, and with that, two of the fighters will move onto the 56th Aggressors Squadron at Nellis AFB, Nev., while the other will move onto the 120th Fighter Wing of the Montana Air National Guard. The Montana unit has assumed the HIANG's air-defense mission for the next year as the HIANG transitions to the F-22 said 199th pilot Lt. Col. Mark Ladtkow.   "It's somewhat a bittersweet feeling flying the last training mission of the F-15 with our unit," Colonel Ladtkow said. "I'm blessed to have the upcoming opportunity to fly the F-22, but the F-15, which I've flown for 17 years, is a friend of mine and will be missed."   Colonel Ladtkow is a 20-year veteran of the military, with the last six being part of the ANG. He is slated to deliver his jet to the Montana ANG in September.   "The 199th (FS) proves that National Guard forces are capable of maintaining a strategic presence with its active-duty association and providing a great value to our nation and the state of Hawaii," said Gen. Craig R. McKinley the chief of the National Guard Bureau.   The F-22, a single-seat, twin-engine aircraft, which utilizes stealth technology, was originally designed as an air-superiority fighter.   "These F-22 Raptors are the state-of-the-art, air-superiority fighters, and couldn't be located at a better place," said General McKinley.         Defence Professionals

    Jump jets to fall victim to spending cuts
    Erik
    By Erik,
      Jump jets to fall victim to spending cuts   Telegraph -- By James Kirkup, Political Correspondent -- 30 August 2010   In a move that could put hundreds of British manufacturing jobs at risk, defence chiefs are ready to abandon plans to buy a vertical-landing fighter jet for the Royal Navy.   Instead, a cheaper conventional-landing warplane will replace the Navy’s Harriers when they retire.   The decision is the first to emerge from the Strategic Defence Review to have direct consequences for British industry. Rolls Royce will be hard hit by the move, which could also strain British relations with the US.   The Navy is buying two new aircraft carriers at a cost of more than £5 billion. Army and RAF chiefs have questioned that plan and suggested that one carrier should be scrapped or shared with the French navy.   Attempting to defend the carriers, Royal Navy chiefs are seeking cuts elsewhere in their planned spending.   Aircraft carriers now in service carry Harrier jets, which are can take off from a short runway and land vertically by directing the blast of their engines downwards.   The next generation of carriers are expected to carry US-made Joint Strike Fighters.   Originally, the Navy was planning to buy a specially-adapted short take-off vertical-landing (STOVL) variant of the JSF, which would take off and land on the carriers much as Harriers do now.   However, developing and building the special STOVL version of the JSF would cost more than buying the conventional version, and insiders say that cost cannot be justified.   The military value of vertical landing has also been questioned by senior officers, who say conventional fighters are more useful because they can fly further and faster and carry more weapons.   Using conventional jets would also make it easier to conduct joint operations with allies including the US and France, whose carriers   As a result of those calculations, the STOVL aircraft is set to be scrapped in favour of the cheaper conventional JSF, which would be launched from the new carriers using catapults.   In recent weeks, the MoD has quietly commissioned design work on catapults to launch jets from the new carriers, due to enter service in 2014 and 2016.   Because construction work on the ships is still at an early stage, adapting their designs to accommodate conventional aircraft is said to be relatively easy.   In addition, a team of 12 Royal Navy pilots has been sent to the US to train with conventional take-off aircraft on carriers.   Much of the specialised engine system for the STOVL jet is being made by Rolls Royce in Bristol, and the switch would jeopardise hundreds of jobs there.   The decision to abandon the STOVL jet could be rubber-stamped at a meeting of the National Security Council next week, although ministers are aware that the move could be controversial.   Giving up on the STOVL aircraft could lead to accusations of waste, since the Ministry of Defence has already spent more than £500 million on the programme.   But insiders say the overall saving of buying standard fighters instead will more than justify writing off that spending.   Pulling out of the STOVL project could also strain British relations with the US. The STOVL jet is being jointly developed with the US Marine Corps, and without British involvement, US costs are likely to increase.   Government sources said ministers will blame the previous administration for the need to change plans on the carriers and their aircraft.   A source said: “Labour chose the wrong type of aircraft and the wrong configuration of carrier, and they wasted a lot of money doing it. What’s going on now is about trying to fix that mess.”   An MoD spokesman said: “The Defence Secretary has made clear that tough decisions will need to be made but the complex process of a Strategic Defence and Security Review will be concluded in the Autumn and speculation at this stage about its outcome is entirely unfounded.”           Telegraph

    The Olympia may be headed to a watery grave
    Erik
    By Erik,
      The Olympia may be headed to a watery grave John F. Lehman Former Secretary of the Navy   A few months ago, one of our nation's most famous landmarks was deteriorating badly. Independence Hall had a roof leak and needed numerous expensive repairs. The city's historical commission met in April with the National Park Service to determine a course of action and on June 9, the park service announced that $4.4 million would be provided for a restoration of Independence Hall. The funding came from the stimulus bill.   A few short blocks from Independence Hall there is another icon of American history in desperate need of restoration.   The USS Olympia is moored at Penn's Landing on the Delaware River and is one of several historic vessels at the Independence Seaport Museum. The ship gained its place in history serving as Commodore George Dewey's flagship in the Battle of Manila Bay in the opening days of the Spanish-American War. It was from the deck of the Olympia that Dewey uttered those famous words "You may fire when you are ready, Gridley." With these words, the attack on the Spanish fleet was launched and, within six hours, Dewey's Asiatic Squadron had sunk or captured the entire Spanish Pacific fleet and silenced the guns on shore in Manila.   America's victory in the Spanish-American War was an important event in U.S. history, marking the beginning of the nation's emergence as a world power.   The Olympia saw additional service in the years after the Spanish-American War and had the honor of bringing home the remains of the "Unknown Soldier" from World War I in 1921. It was decommissioned Dec. 9, 1922, and was preserved by the Navy until 1957, when the ship was released to the Cruiser Olympia Association and became a museum open to the public in Philadelphia.   In the years since, the city and private organizations have funded the Olympia's maintenance and its operation as a museum, but now the ship is in need of substantial restoration. The Olympia has been in the water continuously since 1945, and the hull has rusted to the point where the ship is in danger of sinking.   The current owner, the Independence Seaport Museum, can no longer afford the upkeep on the ship, and it is scheduled to close in a few months. The plan now being discussed with the Navy is to close the ship Nov. 22 and remove it, towing the vessel either to a scrap yard or out into the Atlantic Ocean to be sunk as part of a barrier reef off the coast of Cape May.   Yes, incredible as it may seem, that is the fate being contemplated for the Olympia, the oldest steel-hulled warship afloat and the only naval vessel from the Spanish-American War still in existence.   Why is the Olympia worth investing $20 million to $30 million in private or taxpayer funds? Because preserving this nation's history is important to future generations.   The Olympia is not just a historic warship. It was an engineering marvel for its time. It was one of the first naval combatants to have electricity and a powered-steering gear. The cruiser was part of a program of ships for the "New Navy" of the 1880s and 1890s, designed to correct the deficiencies of a weakened and neglected naval force. Its innovative design included high-speed engines (Olympia was said to be the second-fastest ship in the world at 22 knots), modern armament, and armor shielding that protected the engines and the magazines.   When the Olympia was in danger of heading to the scrap heap in 1996, the Independence Seaport Museum stepped up and accepted responsibility for the ship. However, the museum can no longer maintain it. Now, the U.S. public needs to stand up, the same way it stood up for Independence Hall.   For the last six months, former U.S. Rep. Curt Weldon and others have been putting together a plan to secure funding for a restoration of the Olympia and its possible relocation. The Independence Seaport Museum has had the ship's hull surveyed and repair plans have been drawn. The dredging necessary to remove this delicate structure from Penn's Landing could start soon after the funding is identified.   I believe the Obama administration should dedicate stimulus funding for the Olympia's restoration. This is the kind of "shovel ready" project that could be launched in a matter of weeks. Funding this project would not only preserve a National Historic Landmark but would also create much-needed employment in the region.   Like Independence Hall, the USS Olympia deserves to be restored and maintained, and this is certainly a legitimate role for the federal government.         Philadelphia Inquirer

    Remote-controlled model airplanes roll in for annual event
    Erik
    By Erik,
    Remote-controlled model airplanes roll in for annual event   Sunday, August 29, 2010 By Shannon M. Nass, Special to the Post-Gazette   Nestled among the woods of South Park is a quiet stretch of land known as Jack Coates Memorial Field. Unlike other grassy patches in the park, this one has a landing strip down the center.   Most days the gates leading up to it are locked with access limited to day hikers and mountain bikers who traverse the trails that cross and surround it. However, on clear evenings the skies above thunder and the field is transformed into a museum display as models and renditions of war birds, jets and helicopters are scattered about awaiting their turn for glory in the sky.   The pilots of these planes are members of SPARKS (South Park Radio Kontrol Society), one of 131 Pennsylvania clubs chartered by the Academy of Model Aeronautics. The club boasts 50 members and is one of five located in the Pittsburgh metro area.   SPARKS members are currently practicing their takeoffs, landings, loops and rolls in anticipation of the 5th annual Big Sky Fly-In to be held Sept. 11-12 at 268 Sky Kings R/C Field in Kittanning. Flying begins at 10 a.m. each day and continues until after dark. This family-friendly event draws hundreds of pilots and spectators from all over Western Pennsylvania and is open to AMA members and guests.   Ed Andrews of Brookline with a plane he built from scratch. Ed's plane is also featured at the top.   "It's like a miniature air show," said SPARKS vice president Ed Andrews of Brookline. "Fly whatever you bring and show it off to the best of your ability. If you just fly it around in circles, that's good enough."   Andrews started flying model airplanes at the age of 6 and has been interested in aircraft ever since. He holds a pilot's license, but surprisingly prefers to fly model planes.   "I actually prefer the radio-controlled planes because of the camaraderie that you have here," he said. "With a big plane, you're by yourself and you're talking on the radio until you get to your destination. But here you're always around others."   Unlike other remote-control sports that draw fierce competition, one of the main attractions to model aircraft piloting is camaraderie. Most SPARKS members share an interest in aviation in general and fly their planes for the sheer fun of it, said Andrews. The wide variety of aircraft available to be piloted offers continuous challenges, making it nearly impossible to ever truly master the sport.   "It's so diverse and that's what draws me to it. As soon as I get pretty good at one particular facet of it, I can move on to the next phase and it's like starting over again," said Andrews.   This diversity carries over into the mixture of people attracted to the sport. While it is male dominated, women and children maintain a presence at the fields and are always welcomed and encouraged to participate.   Chris Stefano of Mt. Lebanon, with his electric motor plane, as part of SPARKS, or the South Park Radio Controlled Society.   The youngest member of SPARKS is 15-year-old Michael Camella of Baldwin, who began flying planes three years ago after attending an air show that was sponsored by the club. An airplane and military enthusiast, model airplane piloting appeals to Michael on many levels.   "I've been fascinated by flight since I was little, and it's amazing to think that man can fly. It's amazing what these things can do and I'm impressed by ... stories of pilots in war time. It's just incredible," Michael said.   Although relatively new to the sport, Camella is already proficient at piloting and has begun to delve into aerobatic maneuvers with his plane. This has sparked some interest in competitions, but for the most part, Camella says he flies simply because "it's a blast." As college looms ahead, said he's Camella considering expanding his interest in aviation into a career by either joining the military or pursing an education in robotics.   No matter where the sport leads him, adventure, challenges and a lifetime of learning are guaranteed as he continues to explore the many aspects of piloting. Like most model airplane enthusiasts, Camella started young and does not see his hobby as a passing phase. He echoes the sentiments of model airplane pilots everywhere when he says, "I'll be doing this for my entire life and it will last."     Images: Bill Wade/Post-Gazette     Post Gazette

    ThirdWire Sneek Peek of Upcoming Release
    Erik
    By Erik,
    ThirdWire Sneek Peek of Upcoming Release 28 August 2010 -- DanW   In a surprise announcement today Dan from ThirdWire shares with the community some images and news of their upcoming release. In no great detail and without any release dates the news of the release has so far been positively received by the ThirdWire Community. From the looks of the expected release a mission editor and other terrific enhancements are on the horizon for the Strike Fighters 2 series. The original thread in the SF Forums: CLICK HERE       ThirdWire

    Unmanned Helicopter Being Developed For U.S. Military
    Erik
    By Erik,
      Unmanned Helicopter Being Developed For U.S. Military   Red Orbit: Friday, 27 August 2010   Lockheed Martin is developing an unmanned helicopter for the U.S. military designed to lift supplies and equipment to troops in Afghanistan.   The Kaman K-MAX helicopter can fly without a pilot and carry up to 6,000 pounds of cargo, which is more than the aircraft's empty weight.   The helicopter's primary use would be to transport equipment to troops at forward operating bases on the frontline.   K-MAX will help reduce the need for large vehicle convoys lowering the risk of soldiers being ambushed or injured by IEDs (improvised explosive devices).   The aircraft can be flown into under-fire areas without risking an aircrew.   A ground-based operator controls the aircraft by using a laptop. The operator can input a flight plan detailing the destination and route.   K-MAX can also be flown hands-on from the cockpit if necessary and uses counter-rotating intermeshing rotor blades to generate its lifting power.   The helicopter reaches a maximum airspeed of 92 mph and can be programmed to release at different times.   It also flies in weather conditions that normally ground other helicopters.   K-MAX is being developed for the U.S. Army's "Autonomous Technologies for Unmanned Air Systems" (ATUAS) program.   However, U.S. Marine Corps may also end up using the aircraft.   If testing goes as planned, then the helicopter could be sent to Afghanistan for assessment sometime towards the end of 2011.         Image: The Unmanned K-MAX launches from the pad with a 1500 lb sling load during contractor flight tests at Yuma Proving Ground, AZ, January 2010.             Red Orbit

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